Travel Safely

Hire a bike you can handle and make sure the tires and brakes are in good condition before you head off. Your hotel will be able to arrange motor bike hire. On Samui drivers licences are not usually asked for when hiring a motor bike - though you will need your passport. You will require a current driver's licence from your own country for car hire. Check with your hotel.

The law in Thailand requires you to wear a helmet and ride with the bike head lights on day and night. On Samui this is periodically enforced by the police and non compliance may result in an on the spot fine of Baht 500 and a two hour detention at the Police station.

Remember to slap the sun bloc on your face, back of your neck, arms, hands, feet and legs whenever you are on the bike. Sun and wind burn are not pleasant. Sensible shoes will protect your feet more than thongs/jandals/flip-flops. During the wet season September - November its wise to carry a cheap plastic rain coat under the seat.

Unfortunately Samui has one of the highest number of road accidents in Thailand. Samui Police report motor bike accidents are the most common, involve male riders, alcohol and speed, occur between late evening and midnight and that serious injury or death may have been avoided if a crash helmet was worn. Bad condition of many roads and sand build up on the roads is also a major cause of accidents - so approach with care and use both front and bake breaks evenly if you have to slow down on a sandy and gritty surface. Many motor bike accidents on Samui involve tourists. So take care out there. Always wear a helmet.